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Welcome!

Jennifer Douglas is a literary publicist who believes in the right of equality for all authors. With a vision of a world where positivity is the norm and negativity is long forgotten Jennifer works alongside authors creating a marketing and publicity plan that meets the needs of the individual.

With years of experience in publicity, public relations and the marketing industry, which includes working with Allen and Unwin and Palmer Higgs Publishing, Jennifer has become a well sort after reviewer. To work with Jennifer is to know you are working with someone who will not hold back on being open and honest about your book and its marketing possibilities.

Having undertaken many courses in writing and poetry over the years Jennifer has a vast knowledge in the field of writing and reviewing, being able to provide an efficient, effective and professional service. As a qualified Early Childhood Educator and a home educating mum with over 16 years experience, she has a passion for quality children's books and educational resources.

Having spent 6 years as the founder and managing editor of two magazines, Good Gabble and Rattling Reviews, Jennifer has an eye for marketing and sales, knowing what the consumer is looking for and how to reach them. She works individually with each client meeting their needs and the needs of their product. She has many years experience in critiquing websites, placing herself in the shoes of the consumer who is browsing. Many clients return time and time again knowing they will be receiving an honest, open and non judgmental review or critique. Jennifer prides herself on providing a friendly, non threatening and personal service. Her clients are able to contact her personally throughout the whole review process.

Friday, July 4, 2014

Starting With Max by Ying Ying

‘Max demonstrates a grand theory in his life’s simple activities. He acts out the essence of life by actively living it. He tells me, “ Do not think so much about yourself, know where you’re going, get up and go. Be playful and joyous”.’

Starting with Max by Ying Ying is a journey of compassion, love and friendship. It is not only a book about Max, an adopted stray dog, but that of his owner. As Ying Ying reflects on her journey with her new companion she reflects on her present and her past. On her culture, her fears, her weaknesses and her strengths. Little was she to know that Max was exactly what she needed to help her cope with the mid life crisis she had found herself in.

Immigrating from Hong Kong to Sydney with her daughter and husband, Ying Ying finds herself in a foreign country feeling at a loss and uncertain of where her life was going. Before leaving Hong Kong, and after the death of their beloved cat, a promise is made to her daughter that upon arrival in Australia they would seek the companionship of a dog. They had never owned a dog before and with Ying Ying being afraid of dogs this was a brave decision, one that was to come sooner than she was ready for.

Culturally I found Starting with Max fascinating and informative. I realised how much of the Chinese culture I did not understand and also how I had never really given any thought to the life of a dog who lived in Hong Kong, or any other country for that matter.

Of her life in the park and on walks with Max Ying Ying writes,

‘ This is what I could never have envisaged while I was living in Hong Kong, any more than my relatives and friends there can now. There are few real parks in Hong Kong and people don’t normally walk in them, so they cannot imagine what it is like to play outdoors with a dog. Expecting them to understand what my life in the park has given me is simply asking too much.

When I see those poor dogs in Hong Kong walking on hard pavements, surrounded by impatient pedestrians and breathing in polluted air from the congested traffic, I do so pity them. How they must have to endure discomfort to obey their human masters. How truly self-sacrificing but sadly helpless they are’ ( pg 78 )

This had me thinking about myself, my country and my relationship with my two canine companions. It had me appreciating how lucky I really was to live in Australia with such open green area’s that allowed me to run with my dogs and daughter. My mind wandered to that of how I would cope should I be in the reverse of that of Ying Ying, in Hong Kong where the treatment and respect for my canine friends was not as it is here.

Starting with Max has a special power about it. Simply written from a woman who gives up her life as scholar and business woman to become mother, wife and dog owner, Starting with Max moves you. It weaves a magic spell of love, companionship and understanding. It takes you on a deep soulful journey into the bond and friendship between human and dog. It is the journey into the mind power of the dog and man and the connection that the two different species hold as they walk on the same land.

Although this book is meant to be a book about a dog I found it far more than this. I have many animals, dogs included, and see myself as an immense animal lover but did not feel when I was reading this book that I was reading a book about just any dog. I was touched and moved and felt that I was part of a relationship, a family, which include a canine member. Full of philosophical questions and the reflections of Ying Ying, I found myself questioning if a dog really had a conscience and what they really thought, they seem to have so much to tell us. Starting with Max is full of insights into the way the life of a dog changes the thoughts and dynamics of a family as a unit and individuals. Ying Ying shows a good balance between the joy of her new pet and the sadness of aging and loss of death.

Starting with Max is a book for all ages. My six year old daughter was spellbound by the audio book, listening to it contently whilst traveling in the car, even refusing to get out as she did not want to miss what happened next.

Dog lovers will understand Starting with Max from the first instance, with non dog lovers soon earning a huge respect for our canine companion.

Testimonials

Not so long ago I was drifting through some internet sites offering to review or market self-published novels. I was wondering if any review would make my book come alive for readers, agents, or the marketing world in general. I chanced upon your site. "Australia!" I breathed. "How about that." Awfully far away, it was not a promising avenue. Until I read your site and what you offered. Here was a much more hands-on, reviewing and marketing approach. The cost was reasonable and though the review did not promise a five-star finish, and the marketing plan didn't tantalize with guaranteed six figure sales, it did promise care and seriousness. So sincere was the pitch, that I counted out my shekels, e-mailed you, and officially asked you to help me. Imagine my surprise when you turned out to be someone who had the best interests for my novel at heart. You spent much time on an in-depth review and suggested a marketing plan which was going to involve a lot more work for you than I expected; nor did I dream that you would take my work to heart and propose a way of presenting it not just to Australia, but to the whole English speaking world. I always thought I was a dreamer, but you are the dreamer that has made me into a believer about the power of marketing and the importance of having an expert in the field present one's book to the public. Already a joy to work with, you have turned out to be a reviewer that can also market a book and make an author believe that the book he wrote, which he thinks is very good, is going to be seen as great by the wider reading public. That's a gift that's priceless. Thanks for believing in me and strengthening my own appreciation of my work. Is this a partnership? Nope, it is better than that. It is an adventure, one which I am glad to be taking with you. You calmed a lot of my worries, and as you folks say down under, "No more worries mate, no more worries at all!

E. R. BarrAuthor of ROAN: The Tales of Conor Archer, vol. 1

Katrina Cavanough wanted to thank you very much for the review of her book Wisdom For Your Life. "It was so thorough and amazing...I'm a bit lost for words really"

Amy Milne, Allen and Unwin

It's two months since I first contacted Jennifer Douglas. In her immediate reply she wrote " I'm sure I can help you'.

Jennifer's help was phenomenal. With a passion for helping to create high quality work and for assisting authors get the word out about their book, she has been a joy to work with.

Closely collaborating, and constantly giving feedback, she has been unfailing, inspirational and supportive.

As promised, two months after my first contact the review of 'Aspects of Creativity' is already on a wide range of important media sites.

I highly recommend Jennifer Douglas to anyone looking for a very special independent reviewer.

Dulcie M. Stone MBE

'I was about to write to you to find out how you were going with yourreading of the pile of books we sent and thought “I’ll just browsethrough the latest addition” ( Good Gabble Newzine). And what did I find? The most fantastic appreciation of Elizabeth and her work that I have seen. I know what she’s like, but lots of others miss all that you have seen in her. I am deeply moved by what you wrote and have just had the pleasure of printing off the page and giving it to her. She hadn’t realised, justas I hadn’t, that there was something in there about her. Thank you from me' Ken Mellor